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Biologist

Department of Commerce
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Biosystems and Biomaterials Division
This job announcement has closed

Summary

NIST works with industry and science to advance innovation and improve quality of life. We're looking for a Biologist to join our team!

This notice is issued under direct-hire authority to recruit new talent to occupations for which NIST has a severe shortage of candidates.

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
02/03/2023 to 02/09/2023
Salary
$112,015 to - $172,075 per year
Pay scale & grade
ZP 4
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Gaithersburg, MD
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
4
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Announcement number
MML-644-23-11811638
Control number
704070300

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens and Status Candidates (this includes Merit Promotion, Status Candidates, Former Overseas Employees, CTAP, ICTAP, VRA, VEOA, 30% or More Disabled, EVHO, Schedule A, Military Spouses, Americorps, Peace Corps, Vista, Interchange Agreement Eligibles, and National Guard).

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Duties

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  • Leadership in planning, organization and research to develop measurement technologies to characterize viral infectivity and the function of viral infected cells.
  • Optimization of bioassays to determine virus infectivity and coordination with other groups to incorporate live cell imaging and automation to measure cytopathic effect.
  • Lead interlaboratory studies for the characterization of reference materials to determine reference values.
  • Lead cell line authentication efforts including the generation of supporting reference materials and updating public databases with STR profiles for validated cell lines.
  • Troubleshoot and fix common problems and schedule maintenance on instruments and supporting systems to minimize instrument downtime.
  • Ensure that the data produced at NIST is of high quality.
  • Keep consistent documentation and data entry.
  • Provide molecular biology support to associated researchers to address measurement challenges in cell line authentication, genome editing, biomanufacturing, diagnosis, immunotherapy, and regenerative medicine.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S. citizenship
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
  • Suitable for Federal employment

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

  1. Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
OR
  1. Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
In Addition: All applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the GS-12 level (ZP-III at NIST). Specialized experience is defined as experience in:
  • Molecular biology
  • Tissue culture
  • PCR
  • Leading independent projects or teams
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done. We will credit all qualifying volunteer experience in your application.

The qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook.

Applicant Reconsideration

Education

This position has an education requirement. Transcripts must be submitted to validate that the education requirement has been met. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. However, an official copy will be required prior to a final offer of employment.

Education completed outside of the U.S. must be evaluated by an accredited organization to ensure that it is comparable to education received in accredited institutions in the U.S. Click here to view a listing of accredited organizations from the Department of Education's website. A copy of the foreign education evaluation (containing the results with a course by course listing) is required with your application.

Additional information

This position is covered under NIST's Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS). The APMS is a pay-for-performance system with excellent HR flexibilities to help NIST recruit and retain top talent. Find out more about the APMS here!

A probationary period may be required.

We may share your application package with other selecting officials at NIST with opportunities like this one. Additional selections may be made through this vacancy.

NIST strives to build a flexible and encouraging work environment to bring out the best in our employees. To help our employees balance responsibilities at home and at work, NIST offers a variety of work-life flexibilities such as:

  • Telework
  • Flexible work schedules
  • Paid parental leave
  • Paid vacation
  • Sick leave
  • Family-friendly leave
  • Child and elder-care resources
  • On-site childcare center
  • Lactation spaces
  • Wellness programs
  • Fitness center
  • Employee assistance programs

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

We will review your resume, optional cover letter and supporting documents to assess your qualifications for this position.

All applicants that meet the minimum qualifications will be referred to the selecting official for consideration. Under Direct Hire Authority, applicants are not rated and ranked and veteran's preference does not apply.

CTAP and ICTAP Eligibility: To be eligible for CTAP or ICTAP consideration, you must submit the required documents to establish eligibility (see required documents) and meet the minimum qualification requirements. You may be contacted to provide a response to assessment questions related to the position. To be considered CTAP or ICTAP eligible, you must receive a well-qualified score of at least 85 of out 100 on your assessment responses. Additional information may be found at: CTAP/ICTAP.

Resume Guidance
Evaluation Process

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